Age Scotland teams up with OFT to advise consumers

Age Scotland is teaming up with the Office of Fair Trading with the launch of new guide advising consumers buying energy efficient products. 

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With the renewable energy market expanding significantly, and the expectation that householders may be obliged to ensure their homes are as efficient as possible, the guide is intended to help consumers ensure they're getting the best deals on the market.  

With so many options available for householders when it comes to energy efficient measures such as boilers or solar panels, the partners believe that consumers must be confident that they are making the right decision for their property.  Over the last couple of years, Age Scotland has heard of cases where individuals have experienced increased energy bills despite having these kind of measures installed.

Greg McCracken, Age Scotland Policy Officer, said: "Maximising household energy efficiency can substantially reduce bills.  The implications for consumers from not getting the right measures for their property can, however, be significant.  Good guidance and advice will be key to ensuring that Scotland's housing stock is fit for purpose."

Nisha Arora, Director in the OFT's Services, Infrastructure and Public Markets Group, said: "It is important that people can be confident the companies they deal with are complying with the law, and that they are able to make informed purchases, without pressure sales techniques.  Many businesses in this sector comply with the law and engage in good business practices but we urge others to raise their standards. Businesses that fail to address the issues that we have identified risk enforcement action."

The OFT has produced guidance for consumers buying energy efficiency products which includes the following recommendations:

Take your time in making a decision - don't be tempted to sign up straightaway and shop around to get the best good deal.  Remember: you can ask a salesperson to leave your home at any time!
Double check the facts - check the product is suitable for your home, what grants are available and any claims made about potential energy savings or benefits
Know what you are signing - give yourself time to read the paperwork and check if you're signing a contract or just agreeing to a survey or a quote
Know your cancellation rights - on purchases exceeding £35, you usually have seven calendar days to change your mind and cancel, and can get back any money you have already paid, including a deposit
Know your rights if things go wrong - ensure you know what you can do if things go wrong.  Contact Citizens Advice for information and advice on your legal rights.

A copy of the consumer guidance can be downloaded here.

A copy of the OFT report into energy efficiency, ‘Empowering Consumers, Encouraging Growth', is available here.